Bible Studies

BLESSED ARE THE WISE

by Morris Inch
08/24/16
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BLESSED ARE THE WISE

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"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Prov. 1:7). While the terms knowledge and wisdom can be used interchangeably, wisdom focuses on the practical application of knowledge. Consequently, it contributes to self-discipline.

In greater detail, "Wisdom literature draws from a common treasury of understanding. It calls attention to what we should already know, although the application may not at first be evident. For instance, when we read: ‘Better is a dish of vegetables where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it’ (Prov. 15:17), the words jog our memories’" (Morris Inch, Understanding Bible Prophecy, pp. 69-70).

Having been raised in a village culture, sage sayings played an important role in my life. In this regard, my mother would admonish: "Take a load when you go." This recalled that when we had finished eating, we should carry our dirty dishes to the sink to be washed. Rather than expected others to do for us what we were unwilling to do for ourselves.

Conversely, my father would assure us: "A person is as good as his word." In connection with his general store, he would often allow persons to charge their purchases. Not uncommonly, they were slow to pay off their debt, or totally disregard it. This seemed to him a better check on one’s morality than general platitudes.

"Just as the artisan forges his sword or weaves a rug, so the sage tells us how to live life with finesse. He corrects those of us who blunder along, from one day to the next, saying the wrong thing, doing the wrong thing, wishing we could do better" (Ibid., p. 70). On the other hand, he encourages us in our righteous resolve, when faced with formidable obstacles and resilient apathy.

While the fear of the Lord implies proper deference. Given that he is the sovereign and benevolent ruler of the universe. That is, out of appreciation for who he is and what he does. No one is genuinely comparable. Think well of him, speak well of him, and live in accord with his gracious teaching.

Ben Witherington III also recalls the importance of sage reflection in the teaching of Jesus. While allowing for the fact that it consists of a variety of features, he concludes: "But if we ask what heuristic category comes closest to explaining the most about who Jesus thought he was and what he said and did, what comes closest to explaining why early christological thinking about Jesus developed as it did, then we must come to grips with sages and Wisdom" (The Jesus Quest, p. 105). Not simply as such, but as a key to other aspects of his ministry—such as his healing and exorcisms use of parables and beatitudes, why he gathered his disciples, when he spoke with independent authority, his reference to God as Father, and so on.

Qualifications aside, this serves as an incentive for us to emulate. In doing so, employ common observances by way of expressing profound truths. As a case in point, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matt. 7:7-8). Moreover, if one has difficulty obeying, believe; and if difficulty believing, obey. For those who believe, obey, and those who obey, believe.

This brings to mind another sage saying, "The problem with common sense is that it is so uncommon." Consequently, we fail to employ or respond to sage considerations. As otherwise expressed, "but fools despise wisdom and discipline" (Prov. 1:1). Thinking oneself to be wise, the fool ignores sage counsel.

Thus are we reminded of the graphic image of two ways: that of the righteous and the wicked. As for the former, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the mockers" (Psa. 1:1). The terms walk, stand, and sit are progressive, implying the increasing control of evil if allowed the opportunity.

"But his delight is in the law of the Lord and on his law he mediates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." He not only bears fruit, but survives during periods of drought.

Not so the wicked. They are like the chaff which the wind bows away. Hence, without substance or worth—as cast within the context of their purpose to glorify God and enjoy his eternal presence. "For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish." Choose well and profit!